The Reggio Emilia Approach Inspiration at Discovery International School, Nagakute
Discovery’s educational philosophy is inspired by the internationally acclaimed Reggio Emilia Approach — a European-style framework from Italy that emphasizes child-led, experiential, and project-based learning through exploration, collaboration, and creative expression.
This approach values the learning environment as a “third teacher”, fosters strong parent and community involvement, and recognizes children as capable, curious individuals with the right to actively construct their own learning.
Parents seeking a Reggio Emilia-inspired, Montessori-style, or play-based learning option in the Nagoya, Nagakute, or Nisshin areas choose Discovery for our commitment to nurturing creativity, independence, and critical thinking.
An Inspiring Understanding of Children
Central to the Reggio Emilia Approach is the “image of the child as rich in resources, strong and competent, rather than simply needy. They have potential, plasticity, openness, the desire to grow, curiosity, a sense of wonder, and the desire to relate to other people and to communicate.” (Carlina Rinaldi in The Hundred Languages of Children, Edwards et al, 2nd ed. (1998)).
At Discovery, we honor children as active participants in shaping their own learning. Through meaningful social interaction with family, teachers, and the wider community, their questions and ideas help guide our curriculum and inspire authentic, hands-on learning experiences.
The Many Languages of Children
Another essential tenet of the Reggio Emilia Approach is the idea that children express themselves through many “languages” — not just spoken words, but also song, music, movement, dance, facial expressions, graphic arts, and more. These “100 Languages”, when carefully observed, give adults insight into each child’s ideas, knowledge, and interests. With this understanding, teachers can design and adapt learning experiences that help expand the child’s knowledge and expressive abilities.
At Discovery International School in Nagakute, we give children ample opportunities to explore and express themselves using a wide range of materials and media. Children are encouraged to experiment with:
✅ A variety of art supplies
✅ Natural objects like leaves, stones, and shells
✅ Origami and paper crafts
✅ Multiple types of building blocks and STEAM materials
✅ Musical instruments
✅ “Found” or recycled materials such as fabrics, cartons, and cardboard
…and much more.
Families of Discovery students appreciate our commitment to honoring the many ways children communicate, explore, and learn.
Teachers, Parents, and Children as Partners in Learning
In a Reggio Emilia–inspired program, teachers are not simply caregivers or academic instructors — they are active participants and co-learners alongside the children. At Discovery International School in Nagakute, our teachers carefully observe what children do, say, wonder about, and explore through play. Together, teachers and children co-create meaningful research projects that reflect the children’s interests and personal connections, empowering them to share ownership and motivation over their learning experiences.
We also recognize that parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. In our program, parents are encouraged to become proactive partners, collaborating with teachers to ensure the best learning outcomes for all children. At Discovery, we understand that families have diverse schedules, so we provide multiple options for participation in school life, both in-person and online.
Our offerings include:
✅ Open Door Policy — Parents are welcome to visit and participate in the classroom anytime
✅ Field Trips three times per year
✅ Special Learning Days featuring school visits from the Police Department, Fire Department, and other community experts
✅ Celebrations of Learning — Child-planned, child-led project exhibitions
✅ Parent-Teacher Conferences twice per year
✅ Social Events such as our Anniversary Potluck Party, Winter Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, and more
✅ Online Personal Learning Portfolios for each child
✅ Daily Online Updates with photos and videos of classroom activities
✅ Direct Online Communication between parents, teachers, and the school office
Families searching for collaborative, play-based, and project-based learning programs in the Nagoya region choose Discovery for its strong emphasis on child empowerment, community connection, and family involvement.
The Environment as an Educator
In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the environment itself is seen as a powerful “third teacher.” The spaces where children learn and play reflect the school’s values and beliefs, with great care taken to design beautiful, engaging spaces that promote exploration, communication, and relationship-building.
At Discovery, we prioritize creating both indoor and outdoor environments that invite exploration and creativity. Our outdoor playground features soft artificial turf, offering children opportunities for physical play and connection with nature. Inside, our bright, airy classrooms feature soft flooring and soothing pastel-colored walls that create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Learning materials are thoughtfully arranged to support both individual and small group work, encouraging independence and collaboration. The walls are decorated with visual documentation of the children’s projects, celebrating their learning and growth while inviting reflection from teachers, parents, and students alike.
Families seeking a Reggio Emilia–inspired, European-style, or Montessori-style early childhood program in Nagoya, Nagakute, or Nisshin are drawn to our thoughtfully crafted learning environments that support hands-on, project-based learning.
